A group of Ugandan students evacuated from Tehran, Iran have safely arrived at Entebbe International Airport following a government-led evacuation operation.
According to the Government Citizen Interaction Centre, the students arrived in Uganda on Thursday evening after a coordinated evacuation led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda and the Uganda People’s Defence Force.
Authorities said between 43 and 48 Ugandan students were evacuated from the Iranian capital amid rising regional tensions.
The students were first transported by bus from Tehran in a 24-hour journey to the Gürbulak border post at the frontier between Iran and Türkiye.
After crossing into Türkiye, the students were granted transit visas by the Turkish government and proceeded on another 18-hour journey to Istanbul.
From Istanbul Airport, the group boarded a flight operated by Ethiopian Airlines which transported them back to Uganda.
The evacuation was conducted under the leadership of Muhoozi Kainerugaba and coordinated by Uganda’s Defence Advisor in Türkiye, Bob Ogiki.
Government officials said the mission involved close collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UPDF, and diplomatic partners to ensure the students’ safe return.
“We warmly welcome Ugandan students who have safely arrived at Entebbe International Airport this evening following a well-coordinated evacuation from Iran,” the Government Citizen Interaction Centre said in a statement.
Authorities praised the swift diplomatic engagement and logistical coordination that ensured the safe passage of the students across borders before their return home.
Uganda has in recent years strengthened emergency response mechanisms to assist citizens abroad, particularly students and workers caught up in crises or security situations in foreign countries.
